Hvac Connectivity Control Systems and Methods

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/834,726, entitled “HVAC CONNECTIVITY CONTROL SYSTEMS AND METHODS,” filed Jun. 7, 2022, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure, which are described below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.

A heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and/or refrigeration (HVAC) system may be used to control certain environmental conditions, such as temperature and/or humidity, within a building, home, storage space, or other suitable structure. For example, the HVAC system may include one or more heat exchangers, furnace systems, dehumidifiers, and/or other climate management components configured to facilitate regulation of the environmental parameters within a space to be conditioned. Moreover, the HVAC system may be a zoned HVAC system having controllable dampers that facilitate designation of customized temperature zones throughout the building. That is, the zoned HVAC system may operate to deliver suitably conditioned air to particular zones of the building in order to adequately meet and/or approach different demands for conditioned air in the zones. Typically, components of the HVAC system are communicatively coupled via wired connections to enable control of the components (e.g., via a controller). Unfortunately, installation of wired communication channels may be arduous, costly, and/or infeasible in accordance with conventional techniques.

The present disclosure relates to a control system of a heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system. The control system includes a data communication controller configured to receive, via a first wireless communication protocol, data from a sensor indicative of an operational parameter of the HVAC system. The data communication controller is also configured to receive, via an electronic device communicatively coupled to the data communication controller, a control instruction, and to transmit, via a second wireless communication protocol different from the first wireless communication protocol, a control signal to adjust operation of an HVAC component configured to enable supply of conditioned air to a structure serviced by the HVAC system based on the data and the control instruction.

The present disclosure also relates to a control system of a heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system that includes a remote server configured to establish a cloud computing environment. The control system includes a data communication controller communicatively coupled to an electronic device via the cloud computing environment. The data communication controller is configured to receive a control instruction from the electronic device and receive, via a first wireless communication protocol, data from a first sensor indicative of a first operational parameter of the HVAC system. The data communication controller is also configured to receive, via a second wireless communication protocol, additional data from a second sensor indicative of a second operational parameter of the HVAC system. The control system also includes a climate management system including a control unit configured to receive the control instruction, the data, and the additional data from the data communication controller. The control unit is configured to modify operation of the climate management system to adjust a parameter of a conditioned air flow generated by the climate management system based on the control instruction, the data, and the additional data.

The present disclosure also relates to a control system for a heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system. The control system includes a data communication controller configured to receive sensor data from one or more sensors indicative of an operational parameter of the HVAC system and to output control instructions to one or more HVAC components using a plurality of different wireless communication protocols. The control system also includes a control unit of a climate management system, where the control unit is configured to receive the sensor data from the data communication controller, generate the control instructions based on the sensor data, and transmit the control instructions to the data communication controller for transmission to the one or more HVAC components.

One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. These described embodiments are examples of the presently disclosed techniques. Additionally, in an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, all features of an actual implementation may not be described in the specification. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure.

When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present disclosure, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Additionally, it should be understood that references to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features.

As briefly discussed above, a heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system may be used to regulate environmental parameters (e.g., temperature, humidity) within a space to be conditioned, such as a building, home, storage space, or other suitable structure. For example, the HVAC system may include a vapor compression system configured to transfer thermal energy between a working fluid, such as a refrigerant, and a fluid to be conditioned, such as air. The vapor compression system includes heat exchangers, such as a condenser and an evaporator, which are fluidly coupled to one another via one or more conduits of a refrigerant loop or circuit. A compressor may be used to circulate the refrigerant through the conduits and other components of the refrigerant circuit (e.g., an expansion device) and, thus, enable the transfer of thermal energy between components of the refrigerant circuit (e.g., between the condenser and the evaporator) and one or more thermal loads (e.g., an environmental air flow, a supply air flow).

Additionally or alternatively, the HVAC system may include a heat pump (e.g., a heat pump system) having a first heat exchanger (e.g., a heating and/or cooling coil, an indoor coil, an evaporator) that may be positioned within the space to be conditioned, a second heat exchanger (e.g., a heating and/or cooling coil, an outdoor coil, a condenser) that may be positioned in or otherwise fluidly coupled to an ambient environment (e.g., the atmosphere), and a pump (e.g., a compressor) configured to circulate the working fluid (e.g., refrigerant) between the first and second heat exchangers to enable heat transfer between the thermal load and the ambient environment, for example. The heat pump system may be operable in different modes to selectively provide cooling and heating to the space to be conditioned (e.g., a room, zone, or other region within a building) by adjusting a flow of the working fluid through the refrigerant circuit.

Moreover, certain HVAC systems may include zoned HVAC systems configured to concurrently regulate separate climate conditions within a plurality of separate spaces or rooms of a building or other structure. These previously designated spaces or rooms may form zones of the zoned HVAC system. Zoned HVAC systems often utilize a controller to control the operation of various air conditioning devices and/or equipment (e.g., one or more dampers) and enable the independent adjustment of climate parameters within each of the zones. For example, a zone controller of the HVAC system may be configured to adjust operation of devices of the HVAC system to adjust and/or maintain an air temperature within each zone at a desired setting or within a desired range. Accordingly, the zone controller enables the individual management of climate parameters within the zones. Further, the HVAC system may include a furnace system, a chiller system, and/or various other climate management components that may cooperate to regulate environmental parameters within a space to be conditioned.

Typically, HVAC components or equipment (e.g., temperature sensors, humidity sensors, dampers, controllers, motors) of the HVAC system are communicatively coupled to one another via wired connections that facilitate exchange of data and/or control signals between the HVAC components. Unfortunately, installation and/or repair of such wired communication channels may be arduous and time consuming and, thus, may increase costs and overall complexity involved in operating, maintaining, adjusting, or otherwise controlling the HVAC system. Further, due to limited communication functionality or accessibility of the HVAC components, it may be tedious to update or modify control software (e.g., control schemes, routines, or algorithms) that may be stored on memories of certain HVAC components. For example, once a control software update is available (e.g., from a service provider), updating the control software of the HVAC components may involve a human operator or technician physically traveling to a location of each of the HVAC components and manually installing software updates on the corresponding components (e.g., using a portable device, such as a universal serial bus [USB] drive, a laptop, or other memory device). Similarly, collection of diagnostic data, evaluation of fault conditions, and/or monitoring operation of the HVAC components may involve the human operator physically inspecting and/or interacting with the HVAC components by traveling to corresponding locations of the components. As a result, performing inspections, diagnosing and resolving potential fault conditions, updating HVAC system components, and so forth may be relatively time-consuming and, therefore, may cause a reduction in an overall operational efficiency of the HVAC system.

It is now recognized that utilizing a wireless control architecture to monitor, modify, and/or control components of the HVAC system may reduce costs and/or complexity involved in installation, operation, and/or maintenance of the HVAC system. As such, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed toward a control system (e.g., a wireless control system) that is configured to facilitate wireless communication between various components of the HVAC system, as well as to facilitate transmission and storage of data and control instructions via a cloud computing environment. For example, the control system may be communicatively coupled to one or more wireless sensors configured to provide the control system with feedback indicative of environmental parameters (e.g., temperature, humidity) within one or more spaces to be conditioned. The control system may utilize the feedback received from the sensors to generate instructions (e.g., control instructions) for adjusting operation of certain components of the HVAC system. In particular, the control system may transmit wireless control instructions to certain HVAC components to effectuate adjustment of the environmental parameters within the one or more spaces toward corresponding target set-point values for the environmental parameters. Indeed, the presently disclosed techniques may be utilized to enable improved adjustment to many HVAC system operations, modifications, maintenance procedures, and other adjustments. As discussed in detail herein, the control system may include communication components that enable seamless communication across a variety of different wireless communication protocols (e.g., Wi-Fi, mobile telecommunications technology, Bluetooth®, Zigbee®, Matter, near-field communications technology, Sub-1 gigahertz (GHz) communications technology, Li-Fi, Wi-Fi 802.11ah HaLow, and the like). In this manner, the control system may facilitate customizable configuration of the HVAC system by enabling exchange of data and/or control signals between various HVAC components that may utilize different wireless communication protocols, for example. As discussed herein, communication protocols may include, but are not limited to, THREAD, building automation and control network (BACnet) protocol, multiple spanning tree protocol (MSTP), BACnet IP protocol, and MODBUS RTU/IP protocol.

Embodiments of the control system disclosed herein may also enable a user (e.g., a service technician of the HVAC system, a tenant of a building in which the HVAC system is installed, another operator or user) to remotely adjust, inspect, or otherwise monitor operation of certain HVAC components included in the HVAC system. For example, components of the control system may be communicatively coupled (e.g., wirelessly coupled) to a cloud computing environment that is generated via a remote server of the control system. The cloud computing environment (e.g., a cloud network) is accessible by the user via a suitable electronic device (e.g., a smart phone, a laptop, a tablet). The control system may push indications indicative of operational parameters (e.g., real-time operational parameters), fault conditions, or other feedback received from HVAC components of the HVAC system to the cloud computing environment. The user may access the cloud computing environment via the electronic device to, for example, monitor operation of the HVAC components, diagnose potential causes of received fault conditions, clear fault conditions, and so forth. Moreover, the user may utilize the access provided by the cloud computing environment to remotely push or implement software updates to certain of the HVAC components that are communicatively coupled to the control system. In this manner, the control system enables the user to update, monitor, and/or otherwise adjust operation of the HVAC components from a remote location, without physically traveling to the respective locations of the HVAC components. To this end, the control system may reduce the complexity and/or time spent in operating and maintaining the HVAC system.

Embodiments of the present disclosure also relate to a dongle assembly that enables wireless control functionality to be provided to certain HVAC components that may not include integrated wireless communication components. That is, the dongle assembly may be a retro-fit component that is configured to provide wireless functionality to HVAC components that conventionally operate using wired communication channels and that may lack internal wireless communication circuitry. As such, the dongle assembly is operable to facilitate wireless communication between such HVAC components and the control system in accordance with the presently disclosed techniques. Additionally, the dongle assembly may be implemented in building management system (BMS) control architecture, home automation systems, fire detection, mitigation, and/or extinguishment systems, home surveillance systems, intrusion security systems, and/or other suitable applications. For example, the dongle assembly may include a connection port that enables communicative coupling (e.g., via a wired connection) of the dongle assembly to a local controller of an HVAC component (e.g., a component that lacks integrated wireless communication circuitry). The dongle assembly also includes wireless communication circuitry that enables the local controller to wirelessly communicate with the control system. That is, upon communicative coupling (e.g., wired coupling) with the local controller, the dongle assembly may operate as an intermediate controller that facilitates wireless communication between the local controller and the control system. Accordingly, the dongle assembly may facilitate wireless integration of certain HVAC components to the control system that would otherwise involve establishment of wired communication channels between the control system and such HVAC components. As discussed below, the dongle assembly (e.g., an individual dongle assembly) may be configured to provide wireless communication functionality to a single HVAC component or to a plurality of HVAC components. Moreover, the control system may be communicatively coupled (e.g., wirelessly coupled) to a plurality of dongle assemblies, where each of the dongle assemblies enables wireless communication functionality for one or more HVAC components. These and other features will be described below with reference to the drawings.

Turning now to the drawings,illustrates an embodiment of a heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system for environmental management that employs one or more HVAC units in accordance with the present disclosure. As used herein, an HVAC system includes any number of components configured to enable regulation of parameters related to climate characteristics, such as temperature, humidity, air flow, pressure, air quality, and so forth. For example, an “HVAC system” as used herein is defined as conventionally understood and as further described herein. Components or parts of an “HVAC system” may include, but are not limited to, all, some of, or individual parts such as a heat exchanger, a heater, an air flow control device, such as a fan, a sensor configured to detect a climate characteristic or operating parameter, a filter, a control device configured to regulate operation of an HVAC system component, a component configured to enable regulation of climate characteristics, or a combination thereof. An “HVAC system” is a system configured to provide such functions as heating, cooling, ventilation, dehumidification, pressurization, refrigeration, filtration, or any combination thereof. The embodiments described herein may be utilized in a variety of applications to control climate characteristics, such as residential, commercial, industrial, transportation, or other applications where climate control is desired.

In the illustrated embodiment, a buildingis air conditioned by a system that includes an HVAC unitwith a reheat system in accordance with present embodiments. The buildingmay be a commercial structure or a residential structure. As shown, the HVAC unitis disposed on the roof of the building; however, the HVAC unitmay be located in other equipment rooms or areas adjacent the building. The HVAC unitmay be a single package unit containing other equipment, such as a blower, integrated air handler, and/or auxiliary heating unit. In other embodiments, the HVAC unitmay be part of a split HVAC system, such as the system shown in, which includes an outdoor HVAC unitand an indoor HVAC unit.

The HVAC unitis an air cooled device that implements a refrigeration cycle to provide conditioned air to the building. Specifically, the HVAC unitmay include one or more heat exchangers across which an air flow is passed to condition the air flow before the air flow is supplied to the building. In the illustrated embodiment, the HVAC unitis a rooftop unit (RTU) that conditions a supply air stream, such as environmental air and/or a return air flow from the building. After the HVAC unitconditions the air, the air is supplied to the buildingvia ductworkextending throughout the buildingfrom the HVAC unit. For example, the ductworkmay extend to various individual floors or other sections of the building. In certain embodiments, the HVAC unitmay be a heat pump that provides both heating and cooling to the building with one refrigeration circuit configured to operate in different modes. In other embodiments, the HVAC unitmay include one or more refrigeration circuits for cooling an air stream and a furnace for heating the air stream.

A control device, one type of which may be a thermostat, may be used to designate the temperature of the conditioned air. The control devicealso may be used to control the flow of air through the ductwork. For example, the control devicemay be used to regulate operation of one or more components of the HVAC unitor other components, such as dampers and fans, within the buildingthat may control flow of air through and/or from the ductwork. In some embodiments, other devices may be included in the system, such as pressure and/or temperature transducers or switches that sense the temperatures and pressures of the supply air, return air, and so forth. Moreover, the control devicemay include computer systems that are integrated with or separate from other building control or monitoring systems, and even systems that are remote from the building.

is a perspective view of an embodiment of the HVAC unit. In the illustrated embodiment, the HVAC unitis a single package unit that may include one or more independent refrigeration circuits and components that are tested, charged, wired, piped, and ready for installation. The HVAC unitmay provide a variety of heating and/or cooling functions, such as cooling only, heating only, cooling with electric heat, cooling with dehumidification, cooling with gas heat, or cooling with a heat pump. As described above, the HVAC unitmay directly cool and/or heat an air stream provided to the buildingto condition a space in the building.

As shown in the illustrated embodiment of, a cabinetencloses the HVAC unitand provides structural support and protection to the internal components from environmental and other contaminants. In some embodiments, the cabinetmay be constructed of galvanized steel and insulated with aluminum foil faced insulation. Railsmay be joined to the bottom perimeter of the cabinetand provide a foundation for the HVAC unit. In certain embodiments, the railsmay provide access for a forklift and/or overhead rigging to facilitate installation and/or removal of the HVAC unit. In some embodiments, the railsmay fit into “curbs” on the roof to enable the HVAC unitto provide air to the ductworkfrom the bottom of the HVAC unitwhile blocking elements such as rain from leaking into the building.

The HVAC unitincludes heat exchangersandin fluid communication with one or more refrigeration circuits. Tubes within the heat exchangersandmay circulate refrigerant, such as R-A, through the heat exchangersand. The tubes may be of various types, such as multichannel tubes, conventional copper or aluminum tubing, and so forth. Together, the heat exchangersandmay implement a thermal cycle in which the refrigerant undergoes phase changes and/or temperature changes as it flows through the heat exchangersandto produce heated and/or cooled air. For example, the heat exchangermay function as a condenser where heat is released from the refrigerant to ambient air, and the heat exchangermay function as an evaporator where the refrigerant absorbs heat to cool an air stream. In other embodiments, the HVAC unitmay operate in a heat pump mode where the roles of the heat exchangersandmay be reversed. That is, the heat exchangermay function as an evaporator and the heat exchangermay function as a condenser. In further embodiments, the HVAC unitmay include a furnace for heating the air stream that is supplied to the building. While the illustrated embodiment ofshows the HVAC unithaving two of the heat exchangersand, in other embodiments, the HVAC unitmay include one heat exchanger or more than two heat exchangers.

The heat exchangeris located within a compartmentthat separates the heat exchangerfrom the heat exchanger. Fansdraw air from the environment through the heat exchanger. Air may be heated and/or cooled as the air flows through the heat exchangerbefore being released back to the environment surrounding the HVAC unit. A blower assembly, powered by a motor, draws air through the heat exchangerto heat or cool the air. The heated or cooled air may be directed to the buildingby the ductwork, which may be connected to the HVAC unit. Before flowing through the heat exchanger, the conditioned air flows through one or more filtersthat may remove particulates and contaminants from the air. In certain embodiments, the filtersmay be disposed on the air intake side of the heat exchangerto prevent contaminants from contacting the heat exchanger.

The HVAC unitalso may include other equipment for implementing the thermal cycle. Compressorsincrease the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant before the refrigerant enters the heat exchanger. The compressorsmay be any suitable type of compressors, such as scroll compressors, rotary compressors, screw compressors, or reciprocating compressors. In some embodiments, the compressorsmay include a pair of hermetic direct drive compressors arranged in a dual stage configuration. However, in other embodiments, any number of the compressorsmay be provided to achieve various stages of heating and/or cooling. As may be appreciated, additional equipment and devices may be included in the HVAC unit, such as a solid-core filter drier, a drain pan, a disconnect switch, an economizer, pressure switches, phase monitors, and humidity sensors, among other things.

The HVAC unitmay receive power through a terminal block. For example, a high voltage power source may be connected to the terminal blockto power the equipment. The operation of the HVAC unitmay be governed or regulated by a control board. The control boardmay include control circuitry connected to a thermostat, sensors, and alarms. One or more of these components may be referred to herein separately or collectively as the control device. The control circuitry may be configured to control operation of the equipment, provide alarms, and monitor safety switches. Wiringmay connect the control boardand the terminal blockto the equipment of the HVAC unit.

illustrates a residential heating and cooling system, also in accordance with present techniques. The residential heating and cooling systemmay provide heated and cooled air to a residential structure, as well as provide outside air for ventilation and provide improved indoor air quality (IAQ) through devices such as ultraviolet lights and air filters. In the illustrated embodiment, the residential heating and cooling systemis a split HVAC system. In general, a residenceconditioned by a split HVAC system may include refrigerant conduitsthat operatively couple the indoor unitto the outdoor unit. The indoor unitmay be positioned in a utility room, an attic, a basement, and so forth. The outdoor unitis typically situated adjacent to a side of residenceand is covered by a shroud to protect the system components and to prevent leaves and other debris or contaminants from entering the unit. The refrigerant conduitstransfer refrigerant between the indoor unitand the outdoor unit, typically transferring primarily liquid refrigerant in one direction and primarily vaporized refrigerant in an opposite direction.

When the system shown inis operating as an air conditioner, a heat exchangerin the outdoor unitserves as a condenser for re-condensing vaporized refrigerant flowing from the indoor unitto the outdoor unitvia one of the refrigerant conduits. In these applications, a heat exchangerof the indoor unit functions as an evaporator. Specifically, the heat exchangerreceives liquid refrigerant, which may be expanded by an expansion device, and evaporates the refrigerant before returning it to the outdoor unit.

The outdoor unitdraws environmental air through the heat exchangerusing a fanand expels the air above the outdoor unit. When operating as an air conditioner, the air is heated by the heat exchangerwithin the outdoor unitand exits the unit at a temperature higher than it entered. The indoor unitincludes a blower or fanthat directs air through or across the indoor heat exchanger, where the air is cooled when the system is operating in air conditioning mode. Thereafter, the air is passed through ductworkthat directs the air to the residence. The overall system operates to maintain a desired temperature as set by a system controller. When the temperature sensed inside the residenceis higher than the set point on the thermostat, or the set point plus a small amount, the residential heating and cooling systemmay become operative to refrigerate additional air for circulation through the residence. When the temperature reaches the set point, or the set point minus a small amount, the residential heating and cooling systemmay stop the refrigeration cycle temporarily. The outdoor unitincludes a reheat system in accordance with present embodiments.

The residential heating and cooling systemmay also operate as a heat pump. When operating as a heat pump, the roles of heat exchangersandare reversed. That is, the heat exchangerof the outdoor unitwill serve as an evaporator to evaporate refrigerant and thereby cool air entering the outdoor unitas the air passes over the outdoor heat exchanger. The indoor heat exchangerwill receive a stream of air blown over it and will heat the air by condensing the refrigerant.

In some embodiments, the indoor unitmay include a furnace system. For example, the indoor unitmay include the furnace systemwhen the residential heating and cooling systemis not configured to operate as a heat pump. The furnace systemmay include a burner assembly and heat exchanger, among other components, inside the indoor unit. Fuel is provided to the burner assembly of the furnacewhere it is mixed with air and combusted to form combustion products. The combustion products may pass through tubes or piping in a heat exchanger, separate from heat exchanger, such that air directed by the blowerpasses over the tubes or pipes and extracts heat from the combustion products. The heated air may then be routed from the furnace systemto the ductworkfor heating the residence.

is an embodiment of a vapor compression systemthat can be used in any of the systems described above. The vapor compression systemmay circulate a refrigerant through a circuit starting with a compressor. The circuit may also include a condenser, an expansion valve(s) or device(s), and an evaporator. The vapor compression systemmay further include a control panelthat has an analog to digital (A/D) converter, a microprocessor, a non-volatile memory, and/or an interface board. The control paneland its components may function to regulate operation of the vapor compression systembased on feedback from an operator, from sensors of the vapor compression systemthat detect operating conditions, and so forth.

In some embodiments, the vapor compression systemmay use one or more of a variable speed drive (VSDs), a motor, the compressor, the condenser, the expansion valve or device, and/or the evaporator. The motormay drive the compressorand may be powered by the variable speed drive (VSD). The VSDreceives alternating current (AC) power having a particular fixed line voltage and fixed line frequency from an AC power source, and provides power having a variable voltage and frequency to the motor. In other embodiments, the motormay be powered directly from an AC or direct current (DC) power source. The motormay include any type of electric motor that can be powered by a VSD or directly from an AC or DC power source, such as a switched reluctance motor, an induction motor, an electronically commutated permanent magnet motor, or another suitable motor.

The compressorcompresses a refrigerant vapor and delivers the vapor to the condenserthrough a discharge passage. In some embodiments, the compressormay be a centrifugal compressor. The refrigerant vapor delivered by the compressorto the condensermay transfer heat to a fluid passing across the condenser, such as ambient or environmental air. The refrigerant vapor may condense to a refrigerant liquid in the condenseras a result of thermal heat transfer with the environmental air. The liquid refrigerant from the condensermay flow through the expansion deviceto the evaporator.

The liquid refrigerant delivered to the evaporatormay absorb heat from another air stream, such as a supply air streamprovided to the buildingor the residence. For example, the supply air streammay include ambient or environmental air, return air from a building, or a combination of the two. The liquid refrigerant in the evaporatormay undergo a phase change from the liquid refrigerant to a refrigerant vapor. In this manner, the evaporatormay reduce the temperature of the supply air streamvia thermal heat transfer with the refrigerant. Thereafter, the vapor refrigerant exits the evaporatorand returns to the compressorby a suction line to complete the cycle.

In some embodiments, the vapor compression systemmay further include a reheat coil. In the illustrated embodiment, the reheat coil is represented as part of the evaporator. The reheat coil is positioned downstream of the evaporator heat exchanger relative to the supply air streamand may reheat the supply air streamwhen the supply air streamis overcooled to remove humidity from the supply air streambefore the supply air streamis directed to the buildingor the residence.

It should be appreciated that any of the features described herein may be incorporated with the HVAC unit, the residential heating and cooling system, or other HVAC systems. Additionally, while the features disclosed herein are described in the context of embodiments that directly heat and cool a supply air stream provided to a building or other load, embodiments of the present disclosure may be applicable to other HVAC systems as well. For example, the features described herein may be applied to mechanical cooling systems, free cooling systems, chiller systems, or other heat pump or refrigeration applications.

As briefly discussed above, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a control system that enables improved wireless communication between HVAC components of an HVAC system. To provide context for the following discussion,is a schematic of an embodiment of a portion of an HVAC systemthat includes a control systemconfigured to facilitate wireless communication between various HVAC componentsof the HVAC system. The HVAC systemmay include one or more components of the HVAC unit, one or more components of the residential heating and cooling system, a chiller system, and/or another suitable HVAC system. Although the HVAC systemis described as servicing a building(e.g., the building) throughout the following discussion, it should be understood that the HVAC systemmay operate to control environmental parameters within any other suitable space or structure (e.g., one or more refrigeration cabinets).

In the illustrated embodiment, the buildingincludes a first zone, a second zone, and a third zone, which are collectively referred to herein as zonesof the HVAC system. The zonesmay be associated with a respective room or space within the building. However, in other embodiments, each of the zonesmay include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or more than six rooms. Moreover, in certain embodiments, each of the rooms or spaces within the buildingmay be grouped into a single, common zone. The HVAC system(e.g., zoned HVAC system) is configured to provide a supply of conditioned air to the buildingto facilitate regulation of environmental parameters (e.g., operational parameters, such as temperature and/or humidity) within the zones. In embodiments where the HVAC systemis a zoned HVAC system, the HVAC systemmay be configured to concurrently regulate (e.g., individually regulate) environmental parameters within each of the zonesof the building.

The HVAC componentsmay include one or more dampersthat are fluidly coupled to the zonesand to a climate management systemof the HVAC systemvia a system of ductwork(e.g., an air distribution system). The climate management systemis configured to provide a flow of conditioned air (e.g., cooled air, heated air, dehumidified air, filtered air) to the dampersvia the ductwork, such that the dampersmay direct the conditioned air into corresponding zones. The climate management systemmay include an air handler having heat exchangers configured to condition air, a furnace system configured to output heated air (e.g., a two stage furnace, a modulating furnace system), and/or another suitable system configured to provide a conditioned air flow (e.g., a chiller system, a rooftop unit, a split HVAC system, and so forth). The control systemmay be communicatively coupled to a plurality of sensorsdisposed within the zonesand which may be considered elements of the HVAC components. The control systemmay receive feedback from the sensorsand adjust supply of conditioned air from the climate management systemto the zonesbased on the received sensor feedback (e.g., data). For example, the control systemmay be communicatively coupled to the dampersand may instruct the dampersto increase or decrease a flow rate of conditioned air from the climate management systemto corresponding zones(e.g., based on feedback or data received from the sensors) to cause environmental parameters within the zonesto approach corresponding target set-point values for the environmental parameters of each of the zones. As discussed in detail below, the control systemmay be communicatively coupled to the sensorsand/or to the dampersvia suitable wireless communication protocols (e.g., wireless communication channels).

In some embodiments, the sensorsinclude a plurality of temperature sensors, a plurality of humidity sensors, and a plurality of occupancy sensors, which may be disposed within the zonesand be configured to provide corresponding feedback or data indicative of relative temperatures, humidities, and occupancies, respectively, within the zones. For example, the temperature sensorsmay include a first temperature sensor, a second temperature sensor, and a third temperature sensorconfigured to provide feedback indicative of temperatures within the first zone, the second zone, and the third zone, respectively. The humidity sensorsmay include a first humidity sensor, a second humidity sensor, and a third humidity sensorconfigured to provide feedback indicative of humidities within the first zone, the second zone, and the third zone, respectively. Further, the occupancy sensorsmay include a first occupancy sensor, a second occupancy sensor, and a third occupancy sensorconfigured to provide feedback indicative of occupancies within the first zone, the second zone, and the third zone, respectively. Additionally or alternatively, the sensorsmay include any other suitable sensors configured to provide the control systemwith feedback or data that may facilitate operation of the HVAC system.

In certain embodiments, each of the sensorsor a subset of the sensorsmay include sensor communication circuitrythat enables wireless communication between the sensorsand a traffic controller(e.g., a controller, communication traffic controller, a wireless controller, a data communication controller) of the control system. Similarly, each of the dampersor a subset of the dampersmay include damper communication circuitrythat enables wireless communication between the dampersand the traffic controller. That is, the sensor communication circuitryand the damper communication circuitrymay provide wireless communication functionality in accordance with one or more suitable wireless communication protocols. In some embodiments, certain of the sensorsand/or certain of the dampersmay utilize wireless communication protocols that are different from the wireless communication protocols utilized by remaining sensorsand/or remaining dampersof the HVAC system. As a non-limiting example, types wireless communication protocols may include Wi-Fi, mobile telecommunications technology, Bluetooth®, Zigbee®, Matter, near-field communications technology, and/or other suitable protocols. For example, in some embodiments, a first group of the sensors(e.g., one or more of the temperature sensors) may utilize a first type of wireless communication protocol (e.g., Matter) and a second group of the sensors(e.g., one or more of the humidity sensors) may utilize a second type of wireless communication protocol (e.g. Bluetooth®) that is different than the first type of wireless communication protocol. Moreover, the dampers(or a subset of the dampers) may utilize a third type of wireless communication protocol (e.g., Zigbee®) that may be different than the first type of wireless communication protocol and the second type of wireless communication protocol. Indeed, it should be understood that individual HVAC componentsand/or groups of the HVAC componentswithin the HVAC systemmay operate using various different wireless communication protocols.

The traffic controllerincludes a communication interface(e.g., a multi-protocol communication interface) that is configured to communicate with the HVAC componentsvia a variety of different wireless communication protocols. That is, the communication interfaceenables the traffic controllerto, for example, receive feedback from the first group of sensorsvia the first type of wireless communication protocol, receive feedback from the second group of sensorsvia the second type of wireless communication protocol, send and/or receive control instructions from the dampersusing the third type of wireless communication protocol, and so forth. In this manner, HVAC componentsutilizing different wireless communication protocols may be implemented in the HVAC systemwith one another, and the traffic controllermay facilitate seamless integration of the HVAC componentswith the control systemto enable desired operation and configurability of the HVAC system. For example, the traffic controllermay facilitate installation and/or maintenance of the HVAC systemby enabling improved replacement or upgrading of the HVAC componentsthat use different wireless communication protocols. In some embodiments, the communication interfacemay operate as a transparent protocol converter, such as a MODBUS to BACnet converter and/or a BACnet to MODBUS converter, for example.

The traffic controllerincludes processing circuitry(e.g., one or more processors) and a memory device(e.g., one or more memory devices). The processing circuitrymay include one or more microprocessors, which may execute software for analyzing feedback or data received from the sensors, controlling the dampers, and monitoring and/or controlling operation of other HVAC componentsof the HVAC system. The processing circuitrymay include multiple microprocessors, one or more “general-purpose” microprocessors, one or more special-purpose microprocessors, and/or one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICS), or some combination thereof. For example, the processing circuitrymay include one or more reduced instruction set (RISC) processors. The memory devicemay include volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM), and/or nonvolatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM). The memory devicemay store information, such as control software (e.g., compressor control algorithms or schemes), look up tables, configuration data, communication protocols, etc.

For example, the memory devicemay store processor-executable instructions including firmware or software for the processing circuitryto execute, such as instructions for controlling any of the aforementioned components of the HVAC systemand/or other components of HVAC systemvia suitable wireless communication protocols. In some embodiments, the memory deviceis a tangible, non-transitory, machine-readable media that may store machine-readable instructions for the processing circuitryto execute. The memory devicemay include ROM, flash memory, hard drives, any other suitable optical, magnetic, or solid-state storage media, or a combination thereof. The communication interfaceenables the processing circuitryto communicate with the HVAC componentsand/or other components of the HVAC systemusing multiple different wireless communication protocols.

In some embodiments, the traffic controlleris communicatively coupled (e.g., via one or more wired connections, such as a bi-directional RS-485 connection, apin RS-485 connection) to the climate management systemvia communication channel. The traffic controllermay be integrated with the climate management systemor include a component that is separate from the climate management system. The traffic controllermay receive feedback or data from the sensorsvia one more of the aforementioned wireless communication protocolsand transmit the sensor feedback or data to a control unit(e.g., having processing circuitryand memory device) of the climate management systemvia the communication channel(e.g., using RS-485 communication protocol). In some embodiments, the traffic controllermay send raw (e.g., unprocessed) sensor feedback or data and/or pre-processed sensor feedback or data to the control unit. The control unitmay analyze the sensor feedback or data and generate control instructions for operating the climate management systemand/or certain of the HVAC componentsbased on the sensor feedback or data.

For example, upon receiving sensor feedback or data collected by the traffic controllerfrom the sensors, the control unitmay determine whether operation of the dampersand/or other HVAC componentsis to be adjusted to achieve a target temperature and/or a humidity setpoint within the zones. The control unitmay generate control instructions for adjusting operation of one or more of the HVAC componentsbased on the received sensor feedback and may transmit the control instructions to the traffic controllervia the communication channel. As such, based on the type of HVAC componentfor which the control unitgenerates the control instructions, the traffic controllermay convert (e.g., via the communication interface) the control instructions to a suitable format for wireless transmission to the HVAC componentvia a particular wireless communication protocol used by that HVAC component. In other words, the traffic controllermay function as an intermediate interface that enables the control unitof the climate management systemto receive and analyze sensor feedback from sensorsthat utilize various different wireless communication protocols and/or to output control instructions to HVAC components(e.g., the dampers) via various different wireless communication protocols.

In some embodiments, the climate management systemmay be communicatively coupled (e.g., via one or more wired connections, such as a bi-directional RS-485 connection) to additional HVAC equipmentvia an additional communication channel. As a non-limiting example, the additional HVAC equipmentmay include an outdoor unit (e.g., in embodiments where the HVAC systemis the residential heating and cooling system), a ventilator, and/or other suitable HVAC equipment. The control unitof the climate management systemmay be configured to control or otherwise adjust operation of the additional HVAC equipmentvia feedback received from the traffic controller, for example.

In the illustrated embodiment, the control systemincludes a remote server(e.g., one or more remote servers) that may be communicatively coupled to the traffic controllervia a network(e.g., a wireless network, a wireless router in the building) and a cloud(e.g., a network interface for accessing one or more remote servers, virtual machines, etc., for storage, computing, or other functionality). As discussed in detail herein, the networkand the cloud, collectively referred to herein as a cloud networkor a cloud computing environment, enable a user to monitor and/or control certain operations of the HVAC systemand/or to provide functional upgrades (e.g., software upgrades) to components of the HVAC systemremotely, without physically traveling to a location of the HVAC system, for example. That is, the networkmay enable distribution of functional and configurational updates over the air (OTA).

For clarity, as used herein, discussions relating to processing data, storing data, transmitting data, generating control outputs (e.g., control signals), or performing other operations in and/or using the cloud networkor by a cloud computing environment are intended to denote computational operations that may be performed by the remote serverconfigured to provide the cloud-based computational environment and/or by an electronic device(e.g., a smart phone, a laptop, a tablet) that provides a user of the HVAC systemwith access to the cloud network. That is, as used herein, computational operations discussed as being performed “in the cloud” or by a “cloud computing environment” may refer to computational operations that are performed partially or completely by processing components that are located remotely from the HVAC system. The remote servermay include communication circuitry, processing circuitry, and one or more memory devicesthat may cooperate to provide the cloud network.

In some embodiments, the electronic devicemay be communicatively coupled to the traffic controllervia the cloud network. The electronic deviceis configured to provide control instructions to and to receive feedback or data from the traffic controller. The traffic controllermay be configured to push some of or all of the feedback or data from the sensorsand/or other HVAC componentsto the cloud networkto enable the user to monitor such feedback and/or data (e.g., in real-time). For example, the electronic devicemay be configured to generate a user interface(e.g., a graphical user interface) that enables the user to view current temperature values within each of the zones(e.g., based on feedback received from the temperature sensors), current humidity levels within each of the zones(e.g., based on feedback from the humidity sensors), and/or current occupancy within each of the zones(e.g., based on feedback from the occupancy sensors). Additionally or alternatively, traffic controllermay push data relating to operational parameters of any other suitable components (e.g., components of the climate management system, the additional HVAC equipment, components of the vapor compression system) of the HVAC systemto the cloud network, such that the user my utilize the electronic deviceto view such operational parameters, data, and so forth.